Should we be worried by the low output by the Broncos offense on Sunday against Baltimore?

— Casey, Denver

That was a pretty good defense the Broncos played, so don’t get too concerned. However, I would keep an eye on the running game. It has slowed down in recent weeks. We all know the Broncos’ offense starts with the running game. So if the Broncos expect to make a long playoff run, they have to run better than they did against the Ravens.

If the Broncos happen to not win the division this year – or not make the playoffs – how safe will Mike Shanahan’s job be?

— Jade, Montana

It’s safe, it’s safe, it’s safe. Mike Shanahan will be the Broncos’ coach as long as he wants. Always remember that.

The NFL uses “strength of victory” in its tiebreaking procedures. What does “strength of victory” mean?

— Ron, Denver

It’s the combined winning percentage of the teams a team has beaten. Thus, take the records of all 10 teams the Broncos have beaten – and that percentage you’d take into account.

Any chance in the upcoming draft that the Broncos could package their two first-round picks (the Redskins’ and their own) with Tatum Bell and get high enough in the 2006 NFL draft to grab Reggie Bush – assuming that he comes out early?

— Ron, Winston-Salem, N.C.

I love you people, Ron. Always thinking. However, unlike that Champ Bailey-for-a-wide-receiver proposal a few weeks back, this isn’t bad. But Houston, assuming it holds onto the No. 1 pick, may want even more for a player as special as Bush. And yes, expect Bush to come out. He’s certainly ready.

How could the jobs of Denver’s Mike Shanahan and Baltimore’s Brian Billick ever be in jeopardy when each has won a Super Bowl?

— R. Lawson, Lakewood

In Billick’s situation, the team has gone south since winning the title, which was almost five years ago. The Ravens are 4-9 and are an overall mess. Unfortunately for Billick, the Super Bowl seems like a long time ago.

Why in the world have the Broncos not decided to feature Tatum Bell as the running back? He is explosive when given the openings that the offensive line has been presenting to its runners for years. After watching this team all year, it seems to me the obvious choice for an incredible running game would be Bell. Agree or disagree?

— Michael Halter, Phoenix

I believe he is becoming the featured back. He certainly was against Baltimore. In Denver, it really doesn’t matter who the starter is. The Broncos want Bell on the field. But he has to stay healthy. When healthy, expect him to get his chances as he did against the Ravens.

Dwayne Carswell has said that he will be back next season. Fantastic, if he can come back and play. Realistically, if he can’t play, do you suppose there might be a player-coach position opening up a la Jimmy Spencer. “House” is such a versatile player, his knowledge of different positions might just be something to consider.

— Ed Lawrence, DeLand, Fla.

No, I don’t see that. Carswell is a player. He will try to stick around as a player at this point. However, he is a favorite of Shanahan’s, so perhaps there will be a future with the franchise after his playing days are over.

Bill Williamson is in his second season as a Denver Post NFL writer. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag click here.

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.